KATHMANDU, Feb 12: Minister for Physical Infrastructure and Transport Raghubir Mahaseth, on Tuesday, said that the ministry has already directed the concerned authorities to compulsorily include footpaths while constructing roads across the nation from now on.

Addressing the motion of public importance on road safety registered by lawmaker Dr Dila Sangraula, Minister Mahaseth informed the parliament about the new direction issued by the ministry.

“The ministry has directed the authorities to compulsorily include the construction of footpaths along the roads before awarding road construction contracts across the nation henceforth,” he said.

At the House meeting held on Tuesday, lawmaker Sangraula tabled the motion of public importance, drawing the government's attention toward various issues concerning road safety including making necessary arrangements for the formation of an independent Road Safety Council, use of helmet by both the motorcycle riders and operation of Vehicle Fitness Test Center (VFTC) in all seven provinces and the capital.

Saying that the Vehicle and Transport Act 1993 formed some 26 years ago does not address the current issues of road safety, Dr Sangraula also drew the attemtion of the government that it needs to ensure that there are two drivers in public vehicles of long distance routes (more than 250 kilometers).

“An independent Road Safety Council needs to be formed,” she said, “In addition, there should also be a provision for public vehicles to carry two drivers for traveling more than 250 kilometers.”

Supporting the proposal of lawmaker Sangraula, various lawmakers also raised the issue of the degrading condition of roads across the nation and the legal loopholes in implementation of road safety laws. The lawmakers claimed that problems have arisen since the eligible age for the application of driving license is 16 while the legal age for prosecution of any citizen under the penal code is 18. This gives the juvenile drivers two years when they cannot be subjected to punishment even after causing major accidents.

Addressing the parliament, Transport Minister Mahaseth also claimed that the ministry has already taken action to make sure that more zebra crossings and pedestrian bridges will be added along the Kalanki-Koteshwar road section by the end of the current fiscal year. He added that the consultation for the National Transportation Policy has already started and that the policy will be ready in one month.

Similarly, he said that the ministry has already started the procedure to replace the age-old Vehicle and Transport Act 1993. He also said that the draft of the Road Safety Council Act has already been prepared and that the ministry is currently in the process of receiving suggestions for the draft. He further claimed that at least one VFTC will be operated in each province with some provinces even having as much as three VFTC.

 
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